Do you need a rod licence to fish for pike?

Oxford has some of the finest fisheries with a wide range of freshwater fish, including prized carp, barbel, roach and pike. To fish in Oxford, you must have a valid rod licence.

What licence do I need to fish for pike?

To fish on any of the 2,000 miles of canals, rivers and commercial fisheries we look after, you will need a rod licence and a permit. A rod licence gives you the legal right to use a fishing rod or pole. You can buy a licence: Online from the Environment Agency.

Do you need a rod licence for pole fishing?

Anyone aged 12 years or over who fishes for salmon, trout, freshwater fish or eels in England and Wales must have an Environment Agency Rod Fishing Licence (Opens in new tab). A rod licence is required by law and entitles the licensee to use a rod and line to fish.

Is it illegal to fish for pike?

Pike fishing is only allowed between October the 1st to March the 31st. Pike fishing on the River Wensum is only allowed between October the 1st to March the 14th • All anglers must have a purpose-made weigh sling, unhooking mat, and a landing net suitable for specimen fish.

What rod do you need for pike fishing?

For pike lure fishing, a medium-heavy to heavy casting or spinning rod is typically preferred. These rods have the backbone required to handle the size and weight of pike lures, as well as the strength to handle the powerful runs and strikes of a large pike.

Life of a Northern Pike and How to Fish for Pike

Can I use carp rods for pike fishing?

If you are an avid carp angler wanting to try pike fishing, some anglers do use carp fishing rods to fish at close to medium range.

Do I need a braided line for pike?

Many northern pike anglers prefer to use braided line of at least 15-pound test because it is less likely to snap than commonly used 8-pound test monofilament line. Also, you'll want to tie a foot-long steel or fluorocarbon leader unto the end of your line, and then attach your lure to the leader.

Can I fish for pike now?

Traditionally, fishing for pike has pretty much always been a winter pursuit. In general terms, the pike 'season' begins 1 October and runs until the close of the river coarse fishing season on 14 March.

Can you keep pike in the UK?

Coarse (freshwater) fish

Each day you can only take from rivers: 1 pike (up to 65cm) 2 grayling (30cm to 38cm) 15 small fish (up to 20cm) including barbel, chub, common bream, common carp, crucian carp, dace, perch, rudd, silver bream, roach, smelt and tench.

Do I need a licence to fish in the sea?

Recreational sea angling does not require a licence. You need to follow national and local byelaws regarding close seasons, fish size, catch limits, bait and tackle you can use - these may vary in different Environment Agency areas.

What happens if you fish without a rod license?

This includes if you are fishing on private land, such as angling club waters or private fishing lakes. You can get a fine of up to £2,500 if you're fishing in these areas and cannot show a valid rod fishing licence when asked.

How much does a fishing pole cost?

The average price for Poles, Rods & Reels ranges from $10 to $200.

How to lure fish for pike in the UK?

Surface Lures: Work better in spring and autumn when pike will hit on the surface, but they'll still work in winter on shallow waters. Floating Plugs: Sit on the surface and can be cranked down to a specific depth before they rise back up – great to work over weed.

Is pike fishing classed as a course?

Coarse fishing season for rod and line

For pike, bream, roach, perch, tench, rudd, carp and rainbow trout fishing, there is generally no close season. However, game fisheries open seasons must be followed when fishing for coarse.

What's the penalty for fishing without a licence?

A one-day licence for trout and coarse fishing costs £7.30. Fishing illegally can incur a fine of up to £2,500, and offenders can also have their fishing equipment seized.

What is the maximum size of a pike?

Pike can grow to a relatively large size. Their average length is about 40–55 cm (16–22 in), with maximum recorded lengths of up to 150 cm (59 in) and maximum weights of 28.4 kg (63 lb).

Do you need a net for pike?

When lure fishing many experienced pike anglers prefer to land their pike by hand. This is a method best used on small fish, and only when hooks are clearly visible and avoided. At all other times a net is to be preferred. With your pike safely in the net and carried ashore, place it on a large, padded unhooking mat.

What is the best pike lure?

When not to fish for pike?

At this time of year the water temp is usually up to about 10/12 degrees and they hit the lures really hard, really aggressively and in big numbers. I tend to not fish specifically for pike much from July to September, partly as the water temps are up but also partly as I target other species like Perch and Chub.

What time of day is best for pike fishing UK?

What rod for pike?

The St. Croix Legend X casting rod in a 7-foot 6-inch, medium-heavy power and moderate-fast action is one of the best northern pike rods out there. The medium-heavy power and moderate-fast action has enough backbone to handle big fish, but also has enough give to absorb big head shakes keeping the fish pinned.

Can pike bite through a 20lb braid?

Line. Pike have extremely sharp teeth that gives them the ability to break through some line with ease. It is important to structure your line with the reel and rod set up you plan to use. For a reel that has at least a maximum of 15 pounds worth of drag, we like to use 15 to 20-pound braided line.

Can you catch pike on a 10lb line?

The pike is an aggressive predator but it is a sport fish, a thrill to hook and fight on suitable tackle. You have your reel, but what about the line? Certainly nothing less than ten pounds, fifteen pounds being a better choice for the newcomer to piking.

Where to cast for pike?

The key to catching pike is locating pockets of cabbage weed and identifying the shallow and deep water edges of these weed flats. Adult pike tend to hang out along the deep water edge of weed cover, while smaller immature fish set up housekeeping on the shallow weed edges.